The adoption of a 20-year plan for Kempsey Airport will see the facility soar as a vital community and commercial asset.
Kempsey Shire Council adopted the Kempsey Airport Master Plan 2042 at its June meeting outlining the future direction for Kempsey Airport. This comprehensive plan provides a vision for the airport and sets out future development precincts and opportunities to ensure the airport’s long-term success and sustainability. It also provides detailed noise modelling, known as Australian Noise Exposure Forecast and Number-Above Charts, which indicate on a map the expected impact of aircraft noise around the airport over the next 20 years.
During the adoption process, two key changes were incorporated into the master plan, demonstrating the Council’s commitment to safety and the importance of ongoing stakeholder engagement and community feedback. Firstly, Council resolved to review locations for the fuel facility further away from the runway, to improve operational and user safety.
Additionally, Council resolved that a report must be presented back to Council before the demolition of the airport terminal can proceed. This report will be subject to the Council’s review, ensuring that all aspects of the terminal demolition align with the long-term vision for Kempsey Airport.
These changes came about following valuable feedback from stakeholders and community.
Peter Allen, the Group Manager of Commercial Business, said the master plan sets the roadmap for the airport’s growth and development over the next two decades.
“We are really pleased to have the master plan in place for Kempsey Airport. Airports are important commercial and community assets, which require significant long term infrastructure planning,” said Mr Allen.
“The plan provides for dedicated emergency response facilities, the staged development of an expanded commercial precinct to provide for economic and employment benefits and support the airport’s financial sustainability. The plan also accommodates further private aviation hangars and includes the Macleay Valley Recreation Adventure Park.”
“The plan also shows Council’s ongoing commitment to reducing the impact of aircraft noise through the ongoing adherence to the Kempsey Airport Noise Management Plan and Fly Neighbourly Advice. Noise is an unavoidable result of aircraft activity. We are pleased to provide the community detailed noise modelling, which establishes a benchmark for the predicted impact of aircraft noise over the next 20 years.”
Work on the Kempsey Airport Master Plan 2042 commenced in July 2022, inviting residents and aviation stakeholders to provide input and shape the plan. Valuable feedback was carefully incorporated, leading to the creation of the draft Kempsey Airport Master Plan.
This draft document underwent a public exhibition during April and May 2023, allowing for further community input. Council thoroughly reviewed the feedback and subsequently presented the draft for adoption in June 2023, solidifying its commitment to the airport’s long-term success.
To view the document, head to ksc.pub/Kempsey-airport
